Cuscuz de Milho (Sweet Cornmeal Couscous)
Equipment
- steaming pot
Ingredients
- ½ cup good-quality yellow coarse cornmeal
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup water, plus extra to fill the pot
- ⅓ cup coconut milk
- ¼ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ cup condensed milk* – Use sweetened condensed coconut milk for dairy-free Cuscuz
- 2 tablespoons coconut flakes
- ground cinnamon* – for sprinkling
Instructions
- Hydrate the cornmeal: Mix the cornmeal and salt in a medium bowl. Gradually add ¼ cup water, mixing well with your hands. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the cuscuzeira: Grease the strainer plate and the sides of the pot above the water line with butter to make the Cuscuz easier to unmold. Fill the bottom compartment with water until it reaches just below the strainer plate.
- Add the cornmeal: Place the strainer plate in the pot. Spoon the hydrated cornmeal loosely over the plate without pressing it down, or it may cook unevenly. Cover the pot.
- Steam the Cuscuz: Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes if using pre-cooked cornmeal, or 8 to 10 minutes if using non-pre-cooked cornmeal. Remove from the heat and let it cool briefly, covered.
- Mix the coconut topping: Stir together the coconut milk, condensed milk, sugar, and coconut flakes. Set aside. Warm the mixture slightly before serving if desired.
- Unmold and serve: Using oven mitts, carefully lift the strainer from the cuscuzeira by its handle and invert the Cuscuz onto a plate. Run a butter knife between the Cuscuz and strainer plate to release it if needed. Pour the coconut mixture over the top, sprinkle with cinnamon, and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
Storage and Reheating
Store: Let leftover Cuscuz cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days. Freeze: Freeze the plain Cuscuz before adding the coconut mixture. Let it cool completely, then wrap it well or place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat: Steam individual portions for a few minutes until heated through. Alternatively, sprinkle with a small amount of water and microwave in 30-second intervals until hot. Add the coconut mixture after reheating.Nutrition
** Nutrition labels on easyanddelish.com are for educational purposes only. This info is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate, since the nutrition content of recipes can vary based on ingredient brand or source, portion sizes, recipe changes/variations, and other factors. We suggest making your own calculations using your preferred calculator, based on which ingredients you use, or consulting with a registered dietitian to determine nutritional values more precisely.
Please note that health-focused and diet information provided on easyanddelish.com is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult with your doctor or other qualified health professional prior to initiating any significant change in your diet or exercise regimen, or for any other issue necessitating medical advice.